18VAC110-20-220: General requirements for pharmacies providing radiopharmaceutical services

A. Nuclear pharmacies shall comply with standards and requirements of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Virginia Department of Health related to the staffing and operation of the facility.

B. Radiopharmaceuticals are to be dispensed only upon an order from a prescriber authorized to possess, use, and administer radiopharmaceuticals.

1. Orders shall originate at an institution or health care facility licensed to receive and possess radiopharmaceuticals and must contain all necessary information relative to the radiopharmaceutical, activity, time of calibration, and any special preparation or delivery instructions.

2. Orders for radiopharmaceuticals may be transmitted orally, by facsimile (fax), or by electronic transmission by an authorized agent of the prescriber. If the fax or electronic transmission of the authorized agent is pursuant to an oral order from the prescriber, the transmitted document need not include the prescriber's signature but must include the name of the agent.

C. The immediate outside container of a radioactive drug to be dispensed shall also be labeled in accordance with requirements of § 54.1-3410.1 B of the Code of Virginia.

D. The immediate inner container shall be labeled with (i) the standard radiation symbol, (ii) the words "Caution--Radioactive Material," and (iii) the serial number assigned to the order.

E. Nuclear pharmacies may redistribute approved radioactive drugs if the pharmacy does not process the radioactive drugs in any manner nor violate the product packaging.